ONLINE - On November 17, the Global Strategy to Accelerate the Elimination of Cervical Cancer was launched by WHO and co-sponsored by the governments of Australia, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Nigeria and Rwanda.
More than an announcement, the event is a culmination of ongoing commitment by 194 countries who collectively resolved to end needless suffering from a preventable and curable cancer and a call to action to implement the strategy.
“More than 300,000 women die each year from a disease that is preventable and curable. We have the tools to make cervical cancer history. This is historic." - World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Dr. Tedros
The day was also marked by companion events and launch activities across the world, as a sign of support countries across the world illuminated monuments or buildings in the colour teal, the colour of cervical cancer.
Along with other partners and supporters, EPF pledges support to the goals and targets set forward by the global strategy:
By the year 2030, all countries can achieve
- 90% HPV vaccination coverage,
- 70% screening coverage, and
- 90% access to treatment for cervical pre-cancer and cancer, including access to palliative care.
In Europe, cervical cancer ranks as the 9th most frequent cancer among women and the 2nd most common female cancer deaths in women aged 15 to 44 years.
To draw attention to the urgent need to increase Cervical Cancer Prevention Policies across the geographical region of Europe, EPF's work has created a policy-tool comparing the policies addressing screening, vaccination and information. The Cervical Cancer Policy Atlas (CCPP) reveals large discrepancies between regions, with western and northern Europe ranking higher than eastern and southern Europe. Compare the current state of prevention policies in 46 countries, check your country's score and get informed about best practices via the link below.